Shokz has announced the OpenFit Air 2 open-ear wireless earbuds, which weigh 7.2g per unit—making them roughly 17 percent lighter than the previous generation. Scheduled for an August 27 release at $130 alongside the updated OpenRun Air 2, the new models bring refreshed acoustic tech and improved portability to the open-ear market.
Wireless earbuds that keep the ear canal open are carving out a distinct lane among runners, cyclists, and city commuters who prefer to hear traffic and ambient sounds. Shokz is refreshing its lineup with hardware aimed directly at shedding ounces and tightening dimensions without sacrificing listening time.
Shokz OpenFit Air 2 Earbuds Drop Weight and Slim Down Cases
The newly unveiled OpenFit Air 2 earbuds mark a significant trim for the product line.
For context against competing open-ear styles, earhooks typically run heavier than clip-on alternatives. For instance, Nothing’s Ear Open models weigh 8.1g per bud, while Shokz OpenFit Pro units scale up to 12.3g per bud. Beyond the earbuds themselves, Shokz also managed to slim down the charging case by a little more than 10 percent compared to the first generation, addressing the typically bulky footprint associated with earhook charging cradles. This open-ear design delivers a couple of benefits, as there is no ear canal pressure because the earbuds do not create a seal of any kind, and it gives users quicker access to their surroundings, making them a decent choice for exercising outside in a busy city. The standard Shokz OpenAir 2 earbuds easily made lists of the best headphones for running. The only potential downside to this form factor is that they connect via an ear-hook, and while the ergonomic design ensures long-term comfort, these ear-hooks could get in the way of glasses and certain hats.
Audio Upgrades, Battery Life, and Pricing Details
Sound delivery on the OpenFit Air 2 relies on proprietary Bassphere audio drivers paired with an OpenBass 2.0 algorithm, which is meant to deliver more low-end. An angled speaker directs audio toward the ear for a more natural listening experience
. Users can adjust audio profiles through a companion app featuring four preset EQ modes and two custom profiles.
Battery performance holds steady at eight hours of continuous playback on a single charge, expanding up to 36 hours total when utilizing the included charging case. A 10-minute quick charge yields an additional three hours of playback. The earbuds integrate Bluetooth 6.1, support multipoint connections, and carry an IP55 rating for sweat and water resistance. However, buyers looking for noise reduction will still need to look toward higher-tier models, as that feature remains exclusive to the $250 OpenFit Pro.
OpenRun Air 2 Bone Conduction Headphones Arrive Alongside
Alongside the earhooks, Shokz is releasing the OpenRun Air 2, which feature a design that wraps around the back of the head. These are also lighter than the previous iteration, with an overall form factor that prioritizes stability and minimizes bounce. They use a bone conduction driver and also connect to the company’s app for EQ adjustments. These bone-conduction headphones feature an IP67 rating and provide up to 10 hours of battery life with a five-minute quick charge delivering two hours of playback. Bone conduction is preferred for runners and other athletes over other types of open earbuds since they let you hear more of your surroundings when you’re out and about.
Both the OpenFit Air 2 and the OpenRun Air 2 are scheduled to hit the market on August 27, each carrying a retail price tag of $130.
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